Joint Parliamentary panel on One Nation One Election to meet on February 25

ANI February 17, 2025 163 views

A Joint Parliamentary Committee is preparing to discuss the One Nation One Election proposal, seeking extensive consultations across various societal sectors. The bill, which aims to synchronize electoral timelines, has sparked significant political debate and resistance from opposition parties. Committee Chairman PP Chaudhary emphasized comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including representatives from political, judicial, economic, and social domains. The government argues that synchronized elections will reduce logistical challenges and electoral disruptions.

"Had a very positive discussion... we need to go to every state" - PP Chaudhary, JPC Chairman
New Delhi, February 16: The Joint Committee meeting on Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 will be held at the Parliament House Annexe and will be holding interactions with legal experts.

Key Points

1

JPC to consult wide range of stakeholders including political parties

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Bill aims to synchronize electoral timelines

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Opposition parties resist proposed amendment

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Multiple sectors to be consulted on electoral reforms

Just before the commencement of Parliament budget session, the JPC has also sought extension and hold wide consultations regarding the matter. The Committee held their second meeting on January 31.

Chairman PP Chaudhary stated on January 31 that they had a "positive discussion" and members were asked to give suggestions about stakeholders who can present their views to the committee.

"Had a very positive discussion, the members input we received regarding which all stakeholders need to be called, there was an indicative list, we gave it and the whole list was discussed...All members have decided that we need to go to every state...we will write to the Speaker for time extension...migrant workers are also important stakeholders, they need to be heard too...all stakeholders will be heard," he told reporters.

Sources said the committee has a proposed list for consultations which includes people across various sections of society.

The sources said this includes national and regional political parties, members from judiciary, former election commissioners, economists, trade bodies and industry associations, former civil servants, representatives of educational institutions, think tanks, labour unions, farmer associations, weather experts, celebrities and people from entertainment industry, people from media industry, citizen forums, representatives of PSUs, banking sector, stock exchange and vendor associations.

The bill has been opposed by several opposition parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress and DMK.

The government says that synchronising electoral timelines will help meet logistical challenges, reduce costs, and minimise disruptions caused by frequent elections.

The recommendations of the High-Level Committee Report on Simultaneous were accepted by the Union Cabinet on September 18, 2024.

Tags:
One Nation One Election Parliamentary Committee Electoral Reforms PP Chaudhary Indian Politics
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